Barcelona, Summer Music Camp

The Collective Sound Academy

The Collective Sound Academy Summer Music Camp Barcelona is held in one of Europes epicenters of creativity. With it’s rich local history and the influence of international artists it attracts, their is no shortage of inspiration. The program is held walking distance from many of the city’s most famous sites and just a few blocks from the beach. Only 15 minutes by taxi from Barcelona International Airport it is a convenient location for students traveling from abroad.

English is the primary language spoken during the program, but students who come to Spain will also have an opportunity to learn basic Catalan and Castilian Spanish if they so choose. Experiencing Catalan life and culture is one of the highlights of our program, however students also come from all over the world making it a uniquely diverse group of students each with their own color of musical experience.

Overview

June 30, 2019 – July 19, 2019

Ages: 12 – 18

Musicians from around the world

Write and perform original music

Record in a professional studio

Storyboard and film a music video

Play live shows with your band

Enjoy local music, art and events

Visit beaches and historic landmarks

Music industry lecture and workshops

Program Details

WRITINGOverview: During the first week young musicians will work with their band to write two original songsEmphasis: Creative collaboration, team building, problem solving, musicianship and songwriting

Musicians are placed into bands based on their musical interest, instrument(s), and level of experience

A “Band Manager” is assigned to each group to guide the song writing process as necessary and help distill form and instrumentation

Workshops and guest speakers (past examples include: do-it-yourself promotion, home recording, electronic music, ins-and-outs of the music industry and composition)

Open mic nights, beach, sightseeing and shows

RECORDINGOverview: Songs are finished! This week bands will go into the studio to record. Additionally, each band will film a music video, have a band photo shoot and create a band page onlineEmphasis: Recording techniques, band promotion, video treatment and storyboarding

Each band will track, mix and master one of their original songs with the help of their band manager and a producer in a professional recording studio

Bands will write a music video treatment for the song they recorded and will have the opportunity to shoot their own video with our staff

Bands will also develop a few concepts for photoshoots and select locations around the city

Create a band page with photos and upload completed songs (Facebook or similar band page)

Open mic nights, beach, sightseeing and shows

TOURINGOverview: Bands take their act on the road to play live showsEmphasis: Performing live in front of an audience

Bands perform their two original songs for a live audience at various all-ages venues

Learn the many aspects of touring including traveling as a band, backline setups, sound checks and self promotion

Traveling for additional opportunities for field trips to music industry related businesses (i.e. labels, radio stations, publications and studios)

Additional Information

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) offers convenient flight options for both domestic and international travelers. We will send all registrants the address of our dorms, once you have arrived you can catch a taxi or public transport. Aerobús is the fastest way to reach Barcelona city Centre with public transport. There are two lines that connect T1 and T2 with Plaça Catalunya. From there you can catch a subway to our dorm location.

Arrival: Registration is from 2:00-7:30pm Sunday afternoon, please plan your flight arrival time accordingly. Please make sure young musicians traveling long distances have cash for breakfast or lunch if required. Dinner will be provided Sunday evening. If early arrival is required please contact us to make arrangements. Additional fees will apply and will be added to your registration costs.

Departure: Please plan your departure flights for the morning between 8am-12pm Friday morning. The students final show is held in the afternoon/evening of the last Thursday of camp. If you prefer to pick them up from the show, we will get them checked out and have them bring their bags with them.

Airport Pickup/Dropoff: If students require someone to meet them or drop them off at the airport, we are happy to send one of out staff to do so via arranged car or taxi. An additional fee can simply be added to your registration cost. Please contact us to make further arrangements.

Traveling With Instruments: Most international flights and some domestic, allow for instruments to be carried on (guitars, bass, wind, etc.) Please check with regulations of your selected airline before traveling.

Instrument Requirements
Practice Rooms and Recording studios are equipped with backline: amps and PA (mic, mixing board and speakers)Guitarists/Bassists – please bring your guitar and cable, case, extra strings, strap, and picks (Optional items: effects pedals)Drummers – A couple pairs of sticks, brushes and your cymbals (Optional items: preferred kick pedal, percussion pieces or double bass pedal)Keyboard/Piano – Keys players should bring a keyboard if they have one, if you need to rent one they are available from La Nau for an hourly rate, please contact us for more information.Wind/Strings – If your string instrument is electric please bring your instrument cable. Otherwise be prepared to match volume or play through a mic.Electronic/Drum Machines – Please bring your devices/laptop and the necessary RCA or necessary cable to run it into the PA.Singers – a smile. (Optional items: preferred mic)

Pencil or pen and a note pad

Clothes for hot/warm weather Barcelona is Hot in Summer and comfortable shoes. Bringing 3 weeks worth of clothes is unnecessary,
there will be laundry facilities on site. Any special clothes or accessories wanted for the photoshoot, music video shoot, and performances. Beach clothes/swimsuit for the beach and pool (Don’t forget SUNSCREEN).

Any necessary international outlet adaptor(s) if from outside the US. (Europe or UK to USA adaptors)

Cellphones, iPods, and laptops are allowed in dorms only and are considered a privilege that will be revoked if abused. Please be prepared to store them safely. TCS will NOT be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Do the counselers know CPR?
Several staff persons at TCS are trained in CPR

What is the age range of students?
The mean age is 15 years old, the majority of students are 14-16 years of age

How old do you have to be to attend the program?
We have found that 12 is the ideal age to begin attending TCS, however in some cases 11 year olds have been allowed to attend if showing maturity/talent.

What if you’re just learning to play your instrument?
Students are placed into bands that can accommodate their current stage of musical development

What level do you need to play at for the academy?We do not have an “instrument proficiency level” requirement for our program and have students at all levels. Generally students have been playing 1-2 yrs and have a basic grasp of their instrument and music theory. Our focus is primarily on the creative process through collaboration through the writing of original music at what ever level the students are currently proficient. Based on the registration questionnaire and any video they submit we place them in bands accordingly.

Do you allow parental visits?Parents are welcome to visit at anytime, we just ask that you notify the program director in advance.

Do you provide transportation?
Transportation to and from our program is not included in the registration cost. During the program and for our tour week transportation is included in the cost of the program.

How many students are there?
Programs are limited to 35 attendees to maximize the quality of the experience, an average program size is 25.

How do I register for the program?
You can register online or by mailing in a completed registration application

How do I pay my child’s tuition?
You can pay by major credit card, check or wire transfer

What should I pack my son/daughter for camp?
We suggest bringing at least one weeks worth of clothing as laundry facilities are provided. For tour we ask that you send a small bag or backpack to bring on the bus as space can be limited for instruments and luggage. (See our “What to Bring” section)

Is the tuition refundable?
Deposits are not refundable. In most cases tuition is not refundable. In the case that a program is canceled by TCS full refunds on deposits and tuition would be issued.

Are the counselors musically trained?
Counselors are generally multi instrumentalists who are currently writing and performing in live bands.

Is there vegetarian/vegan food options for my child while at camp?
Yes, we can accommodate special dietary needs and in extreme cases there may be additional costs. Please contact us for additional information.

What does my child do with their medication while at camp?
Students are not allowed to keep any medication or prescriptions in their room. All medication must be given to the program director on arrival.

How long has The Collective Sound been around?
TCS founded by Zac Smith in 1998 at CSU, Chico in California (USA). To this day he remains the operating executive director.

Do the students have to audition?
Auditions are not required but highly recommended as they are used for band placement. It is important for program directors to have a good sense of the ability level and personality of attendees as band assignments are made before arriving on campus.

How do you choose what band students are in?
Students are placed by the answers given on the registration application and by their audition videos. Considerations are age, interests, ability, and personality.

Are boys and girls separated during camp?
Boys and girls are separated by building or floor and are not allowed in each others rooms under any circumstances.